Immigration Law and Legal Insights

Over the past two weeks, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has transferred a large volume of pending EB-5-based Form I-485 adjustment of status applications from the California Service Center (CSC) to the Texas Service Center (TSC). Immediately following transfer, some applicants are receiving Requests for Evidence (RFEs) seeking Form I-693 medical examinations and providing 30 days to respond.

The September 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals critical changes for EB-5 investors, particularly those from India, as unreserved visa numbers become unavailable for the remainder of FY2026. While set-aside categories remain current across all countries, the bulletin warns of potential further retrogression and highlights the importance of understanding how country of chargeability and investment category selection impact visa availability and processing timelines.

ABD Dışişleri Bakanlığı dünya çapındaki göçmen vizesi görüşmelerini geçici olarak durdurdu. Konsolosluk görevlileri, başvuru sahiplerinin ABD'de kamu yardımlarına bağımlı hale gelme ihtimalini değerlendirmek için yeni bir eğitim programından geçiyor. Bu değişiklik, göçmen vizesi başvuru sahiplerini nasıl etkiliyor ve kamuya yük olma kural...

When religious organizations consider sponsoring a foreign national for R-1 status, they may initially think of pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and other members of the clergy. However, the R-1 religious worker category is not limited to ministers. Certain other positions that perform important religious functions may also qualify for R-1 status, including some roles involving education, worship services, outreach and media.

Greenberg Traurig shareholders Kate Kalmykov and Cole Heyer present a comprehensive webinar on navigating the surge in ICE I-9 audits, covering self-audit strategies under attorney-client privilege, penalty considerations, and common compliance pitfalls. Participants will gain practical frameworks for strengthening their organization's I-9 compliance processes in today's evolving enforcement environment.

Following two federal court decisions, the U.S. Department of State has lifted categorical pauses on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries and diversity visa processing for DV-2026 selectees. While these policy changes allow cases to proceed through ordinary adjudication, they do not guarantee visa approval or admission, and timing remains critical as diversity visa eligibility expires September 30, 2026.

When religious organizations consider sponsoring a foreign national for R-1 status, they may initially think of pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and other members of the clergy. However, the R-1 religious worker category is not limited to ministers. Certain other positions that perform important religious functions may also qualify for R-1 status, including some roles involving education, worship services, outreach and media.

Following a federal court order in Medani v. Trump, the U.S. Department of State has resumed issuing Diversity Immigrant Visas after a nine-month pause that began in December 2025. DV-2026 selectees now face a critical deadline of September 30, 2026, to complete their visa processing or permanently lose their opportunity for permanent residence through the diversity visa lottery program.

U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can reunite with their foreign spouses through a structured immigration process involving Form I-130, proving a genuine marriage, and navigating consular procedures. Understanding the differences between immediate relative and family-preference categories, financial sponsorship requirements, and conditional residence rules is essential for successful family reunification through marriage.